Opal and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
None
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Forsterite physical properties, the important data you should know is its chemical composition. Since chemical formula defines the molecular structure of the crystal, most of the physical properties like color, tenacity, solubility are governed by Opal and Forsterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.